When Stress Becomes Home

On one of our office runs, my work buddy and I went to Clicks to grab some supplements -we're both low on Vitamin D and Iron. As we stood in the aisle, I felt overwhelmed by the number of choices: different brands, bright colours, and flashy designs all trying to convince us to buy.

Then a thought hit me: This can’t be normal. I picked up a bottle, stared at it, and turned to her. "There’s something off about the number of stress suppressors here. I believe some people might consume these daily since we’re stressed 99% of the time!"

Think about it: Can you recall a day when you weren’t stressed? Probably not, right? I don't. While stress is part of life, I feel we over-glamorise it and give it way too much power it should never have over our lives.

I’m here to tell you that being stressed all the time isn’t normal. It’s not good for your health and it’s certainly not something to wear as a badge of honour. If your head feels like it’s going to split, your neck stiffens, and you need medication to suppress it - take that as a sign that something is wrong and you need to dig deeper to find out what’s truly causing your stress.

Stress Is a Symptom of Something Deeper

I used to be a chronic stressor - my mind was constantly replaying past events or obsessing over the future. “How will my life turn out? Am I doing enough to prepare for it?” These thoughts spiralled into worst-case scenarios that hadn’t even happened yet.

The truth is, I was addicted to stress. It was all I knew; it had become my safe space, like home. If I wasn’t stressing or feeling anxious about something, what was I going to do with myself?

I was also insecure. I didn’t believe I had anything of value to offer the world. My obsession with the future came from a lack of self-belief. I thought people would see me as a fraud. So, I prepared for every possible disaster, hoping to outsmart my insecurities.

It’s OKAY to Take a Break

Everything I’ve shared here is from personal experience. Before your body shuts down like mine has (multiple times), let me tell you: It’s okay to breathe. It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to focus on yourself. Not only is it okay, but it’s necessary - for your well-being and the people who care about you.

Let’s figure out what’s contributing to your stress and find solutions that work for you. If it’s work-related, you don’t have to quit unless you want to. We can develop habits that help you manage stress while staying productive.

Don’t become a shell of yourself. You’re here to live - not just survive or exist, but to thrive.

Send me a DM, email me at [email protected], or WhatsApp me at 0729435052. Let’s work together on creating a fulfilling life that optimises both your personal and professional well-being.